[ F. austère, L. austerus, fr. Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to parch, dry. Cf. Sear. ] 1. Sour and astringent; rough to the state; having acerbity; as, an austere crab apple; austere wine. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Severe in modes of judging, or living, or acting; rigid; rigorous; stern; as, an austere man, look, life. [ 1913 Webster ]
From whom the austere Etrurian virtue rose. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Unadorned; unembellished; severely simple. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Harsh; sour; rough; rigid; stern; severe; rigorous; strict. [ 1913 Webster ]